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The Partnership: BHMVA and MOCA Collaborate on an Unconventional Exhibition
In an unprecedented move, the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia is lending its collection of Confederate monument artifacts to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, in partnership with MOCA’s Geffen Contemporary. This cultural collaboration will not only shed light on the tumultuous history surrounding these symbols but also encourage a broader understanding of the past, present, and future. For instance, consider the Jefferson Davis Monument, whose granite base has been repurposed alongside Hank Willis Thomas’s thought-provoking piece “History Will Out”:
- The statue’s granite base has been used to create an intricate mosaic depicting the complexities of history and the role of Confederate leaders in shaping the nation’s legacy.
- Concurrently, the Vindicatrix sculpture has been paired with Thomas’s works, such as the 2014 series “History Will Out”, which explores the concept of representation and the ways in which it influences our understanding of the African American experience.
This juxtaposition of Confederate artifacts with contemporary artworks serves as a stark reminder of the power of art to challenge, subvert, and redefine our collective memory. By repurposing these monuments, the museum and its partners aim to forge a new understanding of the role of public symbols and historical narratives in shaping our society.
Critical Reflection and Healing
The exhibition at MOCA’s Geffen Contemporary will feature artifacts from 15 decommissioned Confederate monuments, including those from Richmond. These artifacts have been carefully selected to highlight the complexities and nuances of the Confederate experience. For example, the granite slabs from the Confederate bases have been paired with Bethany Collins’s works, which confront the brutal realities of slavery and racism in America.
| Artifact | Pairing | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Davis Monument granite base | Intricate mosaic depicting the complexities of history | Hank Willis Thomas |
| Vindicatrix sculpture | Paired with works by Hank Willis Thomas | |
| Granite slabs from Confederate bases | Paired with works by Bethany Collins | Bethany Collins |
These pairings will prompt visitors to engage with the artifacts in a more profound manner, encouraging them to reflect on the role of these symbols in shaping their own understanding of America’s past. In doing so, the museum hopes to create an environment conducive to healing and reconciliation, where the complexities of history are acknowledged and confronted.
A National Conversation
The exhibition is not just a showcase of Confederate artifacts but also a call to action, encouraging Americans to engage in a national conversation about history and memory. As the architect Hamza Walker notes, “This exhibition is an opportunity for us to have a critical discussion about the symbols we’ve created and the values we represent.”
The co-curation of this exhibition reflects the museum’s commitment to fostering a more nuanced understanding of the past. By working together with Monument Lab, the institution has developed a long-term stewardship plan that will guide interpretation, display, and public engagement with the artifacts.
Stewardship and Interpretation
The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia is collaborating with Monument Lab on a comprehensive stewardship plan that will inform the public’s understanding and engagement with these artifacts. This plan aims to:
- Provide nuanced and contextualized interpretations of the artifacts, highlighting the complexities of the Confederate experience
- Create interactive exhibits that encourage visitor engagement and reflection
- Develop educational programs that promote critical thinking and historical accountability
By embracing a collaborative approach to interpretation and stewardship, the museum is well on its way to forging a new understanding of these artifacts, one that is grounded in truth and transparency. As Shakia Gullette Warren, executive director of the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia, states, “Our stewardship of these monuments is grounded in a commitment to ensure that objects once intended to glorify those who led the fight to enslave African Americans are repurposed in ways that foster critical reflection, healing, and deeper public understanding of America’s past, present, and future.”
“Repurposing these monuments is not about destroying the past, but about reimagining the narrative and creating a more accurate and inclusive understanding of American history.”
— Shakia Gullette Warren, Executive Director, Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia
In this sense, the exhibition serves as a beacon for a cultural shift towards truth and transparency, one that acknowledges the past while also embracing a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of America’s history. By engaging with the artifacts in a thoughtful and reflective manner, visitors will begin to grasp the complexity of the Confederate experience and the enduring legacy of these symbols. As the exhibition progresses, a more profound understanding of the past will emerge, one that is rooted in a deep respect for the histories and experiences of all Americans.
Embracing a Future of Diversity and Inclusion
The exhibition’s inclusion of artifacts from across the United States serves as a testament to the importance of diversity and inclusion in shaping our understanding of the past. By bringing together Confederate artifacts with contemporary artworks, the museum demonstrates its commitment to fostering a more inclusive narrative, one that acknowledges the diverse experiences and perspectives of all Americans. As we look to the future, it is clear that the exhibition will play a pivotal role in shaping our collective understanding of history and memory. By engaging with the artifacts in a critical and thoughtful manner, we can begin to envision a world where the past is reimagined, reinterpreted, and made more inclusive for all. In this way, the exhibition serves as a stepping stone towards a future where the complexities of history are acknowledged and confronting, where diversity and inclusion are celebrated, and where truth and transparency guide our understanding of America’s past, present, and future.